As India bans more Chinese apps, experts call for transparency, stability

The Centre has banned 43 more Chinese apps, taking the total number of apps from China banned in India to 177 since July this year. However, the question is why ban only Chinese apps? Can Indian apps not prove a threat to national security in the long run?

The latest list of banned apps includes AliExpress, an e-commerce platform, Lalamove, a delivery and logistics app, and Snack Video, which had replaced TikTok in popularity in the short video format.

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In June 2020, the government had banned 59 apps, citing threat to ‘sovereignty and integrity of India’, which included TikTok. In September, 118 more apps were banned, which included PUBG Mobile.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) said the 43 apps were banned for engaging in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” under Section 69A of the Information and Technology (IT) Act.

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Internet policy experts, however, say there is a lack of transparency in the way apps are banned. “Certainly there are degrees of insecurities with a bulk of these applications. However, the question to ask is if these arise only with these banned applications or do they exist with other applications as well,” Apar Gupta, lawyer and Executive Director for Internet Freedom Foundation, told indianexpress.com.

The ban comes in the backdrop of India’s clashes with Chinese troops at the Ladakh border, a dispute raging since May this year.

New York-based lawyer Mishi Choudhary, who specialises in technology law, told The Indian Express, “China does not stick to ethics and fair play, but the argument that nationalist apps are better than foreign apps is a lopsided argument.” Choudhary demanded transparency when it comes to blocking of apps.

Economists say the country’s regulatory environment needs stability and certainty. “I would say that it doesn’t reflect a well-thought through policy decision. Something which is meant to be a short term step seems to be now the preferred mode for the last few months,” Choudhary said.

India’s Data Protection Bill 2019 is currently being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee in consultation with experts and stakeholders. The bill is yet to be passed, which may add to the problem, Choudhary said.

Experts say the need for protecting user data is a necessity for all apps and not just the Chinese ones.

The bans also raise questions on the future direction of India’s tech policy. “We still do not have a comprehensive thinking on tech policy. I think the uncertainty which we are offering does not make India an attractive destination for companies, despite the fact that as a market, it is a very, very attractive destination,” Choudhary cautions.